For the generation just ahead of me, Don McLean spoke for them he wrote of the tragic death of Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and J.P. Richardson, aka, "The Big Bopper." Meclean called it "The Day the Music Died." I think of that phrase as I ponder the recent death of one of the musicians of my genration.
I well remember waking up different days with the music and lyrics of different songs playing over and over in my mind throughout the day. (I think there's a technical term for that--and no, it is not insanity!) One day, I heard a new group, a group with a sound like no other band. They were very "heavy on guitar" and had a lead singer, Brad Delp, who could reach notes most of us only dream of hitting. That band was "Boston" and they produced hit after hit for several years. With songs like "More Than a Feeling" and "Peace of Mind," they provided the backdrop for my high school and college years. I didn't even have to play the music myself--I can still remember the dorm walls "rattling" as the guys next door, in Brigance 102, played Boston too loudly.
A few years ago, when CD's were becoming more popular and affordable, I said "I wish Boston would bring out their 'Greatest Hits' on CD"--and they did. It has provided much joy for me during long trips, as I listen and reminisce while driving. With the coming of MP3 players, even though mine is a "cheapie," I have Boston's "Greatest Hits" on there.
All of this brings me to the sad point of my post: Friday, March 9, 2007, Brad Delp, former lead singer for Boston, was found dead. Apparently he had committed suicide. How very tragic--he was only 55 years old. From all accounts, Delp was one of the nicest guys in the music industry. It is said that he would stay for hours and hours and sign autographs. He was another type of rarity in that industry as well: a "teetotaler"--he did not drink alcohol.
When I think of the talent and potential of such a person as Brad Delp, I can't help but be saddened by the way his life ended. He apparently died of carbon monoxide poisoning--accomplished by burning charcoals in a sealed-up bathroom. This, of course suggests much forethought. The act of suicide itself also suggests hopelessness. It is so sad to know of a person who no longer sees life worth living.
As we contemplate the suicide of someone so famous, let's do some soul-searching. Let's resolve to keep hope in our life. The best to do that of course is to place our hope in Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27; Revelation 2:10). Then we need to look around us and do our best to encourage those we know: family and friends. If you have influence in a person's life and see them drifting downward, do your best to lift them up. If you should doubt the need for such attention to others, let me leave you with the message of the note found with Brad Delp's body: "Mr. Brad Delp: I am a lonely soul."
(My source for the information surrounding Delp's death was Wikipedia.com)
A few years ago, when CD's were becoming more popular and affordable, I said "I wish Boston would bring out their 'Greatest Hits' on CD"--and they did. It has provided much joy for me during long trips, as I listen and reminisce while driving. With the coming of MP3 players, even though mine is a "cheapie," I have Boston's "Greatest Hits" on there.
All of this brings me to the sad point of my post: Friday, March 9, 2007, Brad Delp, former lead singer for Boston, was found dead. Apparently he had committed suicide. How very tragic--he was only 55 years old. From all accounts, Delp was one of the nicest guys in the music industry. It is said that he would stay for hours and hours and sign autographs. He was another type of rarity in that industry as well: a "teetotaler"--he did not drink alcohol.
When I think of the talent and potential of such a person as Brad Delp, I can't help but be saddened by the way his life ended. He apparently died of carbon monoxide poisoning--accomplished by burning charcoals in a sealed-up bathroom. This, of course suggests much forethought. The act of suicide itself also suggests hopelessness. It is so sad to know of a person who no longer sees life worth living.
As we contemplate the suicide of someone so famous, let's do some soul-searching. Let's resolve to keep hope in our life. The best to do that of course is to place our hope in Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27; Revelation 2:10). Then we need to look around us and do our best to encourage those we know: family and friends. If you have influence in a person's life and see them drifting downward, do your best to lift them up. If you should doubt the need for such attention to others, let me leave you with the message of the note found with Brad Delp's body: "Mr. Brad Delp: I am a lonely soul."
(My source for the information surrounding Delp's death was Wikipedia.com)
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